History of the Unit

In 1946 the Army Council decided that the Army Commandos were to be disbanded and no provision was allowed or made for any depository or office which would have at least contained a complete Roster of Names of the men who served in the various units.

Peter John Berrisford was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa whilst a Sergeant in No 6 Commando [1]. He was noted as having spent four days alone on Djebel El Azzag (Green Hill) after the aborted attack on 30th November 1942. During that time he lay by himself on the plateau observing the location of the German machine gun positions, returning to the Commando on 3rd December 1942 at Sedjenane [2].

Gunner Leonard Biggs is not listed on the CWGC database as a Commando, however his name is listed on the Westminster Abbey Commando Roll of Honour. A full service record check should be made to confirm Commando service.

At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.

Company Sergeant Major Alfred Blunden died during operations at Normandy. [1]

Known as Jimmy, son of Alfred Ernest and Florence Jessie Blunden, of Shepherd's Bush, London; husband of Alice Norah May Blunden, of Shepherd's Bush. [1] . He was a middleweight boxer for the Commando and is mentioned in this 1942 Tournament score sheet against No 9 Commando. [2]

Lieutenant John Bonvin died in the opening hours of the Battle for Steamroller Farm at El Arousa, Tunisia.

In March 1942 he took part in the raid at St Nazaire as a section officer of a demolitions team on board ML 443. He was evacuated back to the UK as his ML was unable to land the Commandos on board.

Lieut. Bonvin was a Swiss national entitled to British citizenship having been born in London to Swiss parents. At the outbreak of war he renounced his Swiss citizenship and travelled to Britain to enlist.

Gerry Brent ( birth name Gunter Harry Berendt) served in No 47RM and No 6 Cdo. Being of the Jewish faith and having escaped to Britain from his home in Berlin in 1938, he was sent to Canada at the outbreak of war classed as an enemy alien. However in 1941 he opted, when given the choice, to return to the UK where upon arrival he was subsequently reinterred, this time on the Isle of Wight.

Private Alfred 'Fred' Brooking was one of a group of early volunteers for No 4 Commando, serving in 'G' and later 'B' troop [1]. He took part in almost all their raids and operations throughout the war. Our Gallery contains images of him back from the Lofoten Raid [view] and he is also named on the nominal roll for those from No 4 Commando who took part in Operation Jubilee at Dieppe [view].

Lance Sergeant Horace Cartlidge died as a result of a grenade priming accident at sea.

Gnr. Thomas Pritchard, No 6 Commando, was injured during this accident and died of his wounds later. The accident occurred on the 9 Dec. 1941 whilst aboard the HMS.Prince Charles, late afternoon. The ship was being used for night time landings.

Private William Coates died during operations in North Africa. ​At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.

Sergeant John Connolly was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Field [1].

The citation records that Sgt. Connolly had been captured at Bizerta on the 15 December 1942 and taken via Palermo to Campo 70 at Monturano, Italy. He and 2 other NCO's escaped on 12 July 1943, and made their way towards Switzerland , However after walking 120 miles they were recaptured on 22 July 943, returned to the Camp, and "beaten up." Sgt. Connolly later escaped again and met with British forces on 22 December 1943 [2].

Sergeant Cyril Dobbs was awarded the M.M., [1] for his gallantry on the night of the 24/25 February 1945 whilst a member of a Fighting Patrol sent out across the River Maas to bring back a prisoner [2].

Corporal Derek Ellis, formerly 101 Troop No. 6 Commando [1], was awarded the Military Medal [2] in recognition of gallant and distinguished service whilst attached to No. 2 Special Boat Section during operations at Oran harbour on 8 November 1942 [3]. He had served with 2SBS since its formation, was a parachutist, and was promoted Sergeant [1].

Fusilier Richard Ellis died during operations in North Africa. At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.

Company Sergeant Major Arthur Embelin was the original CSM to 2 Special Boat Section. He died during operations at Oran Harbour. He had previously served in 101 Troop ( the Folbot section of No. 6 Commando).SourcesCWGCSpecial Boat Section Timeline memorandum (read below).

Lance Corporal Patrick Gray was awarded the MM in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Normandy [1]. He was presented with his award in a ceremony at L'écarde quarry, Amfreville on the 16th July 1944 [view].15th June 1946 commissioned Second Lieutenant [2].31st March 1950 - Captain in the Royal Army Service Corps (R.A.S.C.) [3].

Private John Grieve was accidently killed by a mine on Portland Range whilst training. A Court of Inquiry was held on the 20th May and reconvened on the 29th May 1943. Pte Grieve had apparently previously served in No 6 Commando.SourcesCWGC

Gunner Ernest Herstell served in 6 Commando, then the SSRF (62 Commando) and finally the SAS. He died during operations with 2 SAS at Pantelleria during Operation Snapdragon.SourcesCWGCSpecial Forces Roll of Honour websiteHMS Unshaken website

Private Edward Jenkins died during operations in North Africa. At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.

Lieutenant Evan Keat, M.B., R.A.M.C., attached to No. 6 Commando, was awarded the Military Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished service during operations near Essel, Germany, on 11 April 1945.

Clark Leaphard received his commission as 2/Lieut. with the Glosters on the 21st December 1940. He was attached to No.6 Commando on the 30 May 1943 having previously seen service with No 12 Commando.(Source: London Gazettes Supp. 35030, page 255 and the ​ Website for No 6 Commando.)

Officer Commanding No 6 Commando from June 1944 onwards.Commissioned as a 2/Lt in 1939 he was serving in France as part of the BEF. A veteran of Dunkirk, he was promoted 2/Lt to Lieutenant 3rd Jan 1941. After a brief spell with No 4 Commando before rejoining the Dorsets to take part in Operation Torch , he would volunteer for and join No 6 Commando whilst out in North Africa.

Fusilier Robert Lord died during operations in North Africa. At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.

Rifleman Peter McCurrie, a former member of No.6 Commando in WW2, died during operations in Korea serving with the Royal Ulster Rifles. He was a prisoner of war at the time of his death. He is remembered on the UN Memorial Wall at Pusan, and his name is also inscribed on the War Memorial at Frizington, Cumbria.

Corporal Hugh Meehan died during operations in North Africa. ​At the time of his death, his Commando were engaged in what became known as the Battle of Green Hill. This was an assault on one of a line of flat topped hills held by the enemy which covered the road and railway running from Tabarka to Mateur.